Carter, Smith want to represent 1st District

Two men are seeking a seat on the Blue Springs City Council in District 1.

By Kelly Evenson - kelly.evenson@examiner.net

Examiner

By Kelly Evenson - kelly.evenson@examiner.net

Posted Mar. 20, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 20, 2013 at 7:04 PM

By Kelly Evenson - kelly.evenson@examiner.net

Posted Mar. 20, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 20, 2013 at 7:04 PM

Blue Springs, MO

Two men are seeking a seat on the Blue Springs City Council in District 1.

Incumbent Dale Carter is running against Preston Smith, who last sought election in 2001. The council term is for three years. The election is April 2.

Carter was first elected to the City Council in 2010. He has been the voice of Blue Springs and Blue Springs South football since 2005 and has been the program director at KFKF-FM in Kansas City for 18 years. In addition, he has been the stadium voice for the Kansas City Chiefs for the last four years.

Among his community activities are the Blue Springs Education Foundation, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor’s Waste Disposal Committee and the Kansas City Regional Rail Coalition. He and his wife Lisa have four children.

“My definition of leadership is someone who has a vision and can inspire people to follow him. Mayor Ross inspired me to follow him, and my hope is that I can inspire people to follow me,” Carter said. “I believe I have a vision for the future of Blue Springs, and I am excited about where we’re headed.”

Smith is the owner and manager of Business Information Services LLC, a local firm that provides planning and demographic information to school districts. This includes building maps, bus routes and other spatial data work to develop short- and long-range plans. He has a master’s degree in public administration and statistics and a bachelors in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, his a member of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International and the Missouri Association of School Business Officials.

“I have a strong background knowing how to run a business and have the experience to analyze the city budget and see where there are areas for improvement,” he said about why he thinks he is the best fit to serve on the council. “I have a willingness to serve and to listen to better ways of doing things. That is what I think is lacking right now in the City Council.”